Glory of God displayed in Prince William Sound

I spent three days last week bear hunting out of Whittier in Prince William Sound. The beauty and splendor were breathtaking. We camped near a glacier as huge pieces of ice drifted past. Eagles flew overhead. Otters and seals played in the water. The weather was perfect — hardly a cloud in the sky. In fact, our biggest problem was a lack of sunscreen!

God’s glory is unveiled to man through creation. God has revealed himself through the beauty of nature. This revelation is available to all people. It provides basic, foundational truths about God’s existence and attributes. Psalm 19 is a magnificent psalm. God has revealed Himself through the universe. Psalm 19:1-6 reveals six characteristics of God’s glory in the world around us.

The first characteristic is that God’s glory is unmistakable. Verse 1 reads, “The heavens declare the glory of God and the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” The heavens refers to the sun, stars and planets. The skies refers to the lower atmosphere, clouds, weather, etc. Romans 1 says that the physical universe demonstrates that God exists and he is very, very powerful. His work in creation is unmistakable.

The second characteristic is that God’s glory is unceasing. Verse 2 states, “Day unto day utters speech and night unto night reveals knowledge.” This knowledge is the revelation of God’s character. He is powerful, good, kind and faithful. It is a “soundless sermon” always communicated in the skies.

The third characteristic is that God’s glory is unspoken. “There is no speech nor language where their voice is not spoken,” verse 3. The entire globe is covered with the handiwork of God. Creation does not speak audible words but its voice reaches all nations. It is equally accessible wherever human speech and language are spoken.

The fourth characteristic is that God’s glory is universal. Verse 4 reads, “Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.” While waiting for the tunnel to open in Whittier we watched a bear cross over a mountain. He walked from the snow to the alders through a waterfall. He was oblivious to the tourists from all over the world watching him. The revelation of God’s glory is universal.

The fifth characteristic is that God’s glory is undiminished. David illustrated this by pointing to the sun. The sun is like a shining torch (verse 4b) lighting the vast universe. The sun is like a glowing bridegroom (verse 5a) radiant, glowing, beaming and bright. Also, the sun is like a strong champion (verse 5b). The sun is strong, tireless, enduring, always moving forward and never growing weary. God is like the noonday sun — bright and blinding in his glory. He is high and exalted above man. He is unceasing and tireless in his work. God is powerful in all that he does. He reaches out to the ends of the earth enlightening and empowering all people.

The sixth characteristic is that God’s glory is unresting. Verse 6 continues, “Its rising is from one end of heaven, and its circuit to the other end; and there is nothing hidden from its heat.” The sun is always at work in all places — just like its Creator. The glory of God is seen in the sun. As it pours out its heat on every creature, so it is with God. He makes himself known through the warmth and light of the sun.

As remarkable as God’s revelation in the beauty of Prince William Sound, there is an ever greater revelation. God has revealed himself through the world (verses 1-6) but God also reveals himself through the Word (verses 7-14). David, the author, reveals an even greater source of revelation. Scripture is perfect (verses 7-9). Scripture is precious (verse 10). It is more valuable than gold. It is sweeter than honey. Scripture is powerful (verses 11-14). Martin Luther said, “The Bible is alive, it speaks to me. It has feet, it runs after me. It has hands, it lays hold of me.” The Bible is always relevant, always fresh, never obsolete and never stagnant.

God does exist. He has revealed himself to mankind in ways that are unmistakable and undeniable. Creation reveals God’s existence and attributes. But the supernatural truth of the Bible gives the path of salvation. Scripture is the sole instrument through which God has chosen to save people. The Bible is a living book. It is full of divine and supernatural life — the very life of God himself. Every person must respond appropriately. The response, as required by Scripture, is for a person to repent of his sin and turn to God, believing on his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ethan Hansen (ethanc-hansen@gci.net) is pastor of Faith Bible Fellowship in Big Lake.